gas tank paint removal

So I have a xj750 with a black tank but in a forum on here I saw one that had a bare metal tank that I thought It looked pretty cool Click Here To See. I'm just wondering what I should do to get all of the paint off my tank without scuffing it up too much, also should i put some sort of clear coat on to prevent it from rusting?

 

Paint remover which is available at your local home improvement center in pint to 5 gal size cans. Unless you like the look of rust on your tank you will need to clear coat it.

Loren

 

I like the bare look as well. You need a good chemical paint remover, maybe go to a paint store and ask for recommendations. Definitely use clear coat unless you like the rust look. :lol:
Only drawback is imperfections on the surface, hope there isn't any bondo under the paint. :wink:

 

If you do have surface problems, their is a (bare metal) paint. Just be sure to use enamel with satin clear coat. :wink:

 

Head on over to Walmart and pick up a can of aircraft remover from the automotive section. Spray it on and 10 minutes later you can wipe the paint right off.

I'd spray some oil/WD40/some other moisture barrier on it while you are waiting to paint, or you'll be doing lots of sanding.

Make ABSOLUTELY SURE that you don't have one drop of the aircraft remover left on the tank when you clearcoat it, or the clear (or any paint for that matter) just absolutely WILL NOT STICK!

(EDIT)
Also make sure you don't spray it anywhere in the vicinity of something that's painted that you don't want un-painted. This stuff is absolutely brilliant and will not harm the metal, but it'll wipe paint off of any surface it touches. so don't spray it in the garage next to the lawn mower, unless you want to paint the mower to match the XJ.....hmmm...new project....LOL

 

the paint remover at walmart works ok. I would head over to a parts store get a container of the brush on remover works better then the spray. People say you don't have to strip paint off just rough it up. I always strip my tanks i think you get a better finish. sometimes new and old paint don't get along its just worth it to me to strip it. Nothing worse then to get it prepped and sprayed and finding out its all got to be stripped off again

 

I am also thinking of painting my tank with a clear coat. Has anyone who has done this know if the tank will get un-touchably hot in the summer?

 

Couldn't be any hotter than flat black!LOL

 

I did mind with a cheap Harbor Freight sand blaster. Make sure you use fine sand and don't go crazy with the air pressure (90 psi) works well.
The sans leaves no film. You will have to paint it right away as you will get surface rust.

 

are you sure that's a bare steel tank and not steel color paint ?
unless your willing to put edging on it the seams are going to be a bear to get clean.
then you have to get all the scratches/swirls looking right, i think paint is going to be easier in the long run